The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to announce the launch of its annual foreign policy reading and discussion group, Great Decisions. Organized by the Foreign Policy Association, Great Decisions is America's largest discussion program on world affairs, providing interested library patrons the opportunity to learn about and discuss in a thoughtful and courteous manner some of the most critical global issues facing America today. Click here to register.
The group meets weekly for a total of eight sessions to discuss a pre-determined set of topics selected by a panel of foreign policy experts. This year's discussion group will be held at 6:00 pm on Wednesday evenings, from February 5th through March 25th. Meetings will be held both in-person and via Zoom. Those attending in-person will meet at the Tisbury EMS Facility, located at 215 Spring Street, opposite the far end of the Tisbury School playground.
In advance of each meeting, participants will read one article from the briefing book and watch one 30-minute video on the topic of the week (video link to be provided). Discounted briefing books will be available in the coming weeks for purchase at the library’s 15 Church Street location for $25, payable to the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library. Copies of the briefing book will also be available for in-library use at no charge. Alternatively, participants may purchase their copy on the Foreign Policy Association's website here.
One week prior to each session, registrants will be sent an email indicating which article in the briefing book to read and providing a link to the video segment for the week. A Zoom link will be provided for those participating virtually.
The dates and topics for 2026 are as follows:
Session 1: America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy
Wednesday, February 4, from 6:00-7:00 pm
Trump’s return has marked a break from 80 years of U.S. foreign policy leadership, embracing an “America First” approach. This chapter explores the risks of isolation and diminished influence in relation to Trump 2.0 foreign policy.
By G. John Ikenberry
Session 2: Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy
Wednesday, February 11, from 6:00-7:00 pm
Trump’s aggressive trade and tariff policies have shaken global economic norms. What’s the rationale behind this radical shift in economic policy, and what are the implications for multilateral trade and geopolitics?
By Michael Mastanduno
Session 3: U.S.-China Relations
Wednesday, February 18, from 6:00-7:00 pm
Relations with China remain tense, with tariffs, military modernization, and pressure on Taiwan. Does Trump have a coherent China policy, and will his tariffs on Rare Earth minerals be effective? What are America’s strategic options?
By Oriana Mastro
Session 4: Ruptured Alliances and the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation
Wednesday, February 25, from 6:00-7:00 pm
U.S. alliance skepticism may drive countries like Japan and South Korea to reconsider nuclear options. What are the implications of the Trump administration’s rethinking of the U.S. alliance system for regional and global security? Will this new uncertainty alter the way allies and rivals in various regions make decisions about security and nuclear weapons?
By Gideon Rose
Session 5: Ukraine and the Future of European Security
Wednesday, March 4, from 6:00-7:00 pm
With reduced U.S. support for NATO and Ukraine, Europe faces strategic uncertainty. The Trump administration has signaled an intention to reduce its security role in Europe. What are America’s stakes in NATO and Europe’s strategic dilemmas, and how might Europe respond?
By Thomas Wright
Session 6: Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World Order
Wednesday, March 11, from 6:00-7:00 pm
Can multilateralism survive amid shifting global power and rising nationalism? This chapter examines the future of global cooperation across trade, health, and finance.
By Scott Bessent (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
Session 7: U.S. Engagement of Africa
Wednesday, March 18, from 6:00-7:00 pm
Africa’s geopolitical role is growing. What lessons can the U.S. learn from China’s presence there, and how might it strengthen ties, especially with leading nations like Nigeria? What tools of statecraft might the U.S. bring to its engagement with Africa?
By Jendayi E. Frazer
Session 8: The Future of Human Rights and International Law
Wednesday, March 25, from 6:00-7:00 pm
As democracy and human rights retreat globally—and the U.S. pulls back—how can civil society and legal norms remain effective in a divided world? What is the role and force of international law in this era of impunity?
By Jose Enrique Alvarez
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